A self-contained remotely interrogated biomedical sensor (10) includes an on-board regenerative power source (52/54), data processing capability (42) and data transmission capability (42). The sensor (10) is adapted to be secured to a subject and interrogated remotely using radio-frequency technology. The present invention is applicable for use with any sensing device (76) that is capable of providing a signal in response to being placed in thermal, electrical, chemical, acoustical or otherwise in contact with the subject.
A card assembly (10) comprises a polymeric layer (16) having a generally planar surface (24), an integrated circuit component (38) adjacent to the polymeric layer (16), and a loop antenna (24) formed of a bare conductor (32) having ends. The loop antenna (24) comprises a first section (26) embedded into the polymeric layer (16), a second section (28) embedded into the polymeric layer (16), and a transverse section (30) spaced apart from the first section (26) by a dielectric region. The transverse section (30) crosses the first section (26). The ends (34) are electrically coupled to the integrated circuit component (38). The dielectric region preferably comprises a reflowed flash region of the polymeric layer (16) such that the transverse section (30) is encapsulated within the polymeric layer (16). Alternately, the dielectric region comprises a dielectric insert separating the transverse section from the first section.
A radio frequency identification tag (14) utilizes an antenna (22) formed in association with, and thus integral to, an article, package, package container, label and/or identification badge (10). In a preferred embodiment, a radio frequency identification tag circuit chip assembly (12) is secured to the article (10) and is electrically coupled to the antenna (22) formed on the article (10). Printing a conductive pattern on the article using conductive ink forms a preferred antenna.
A microelectronic assembly and a method for manufacturing the assembly include an integrated circuit component attached to a substrate via polymeric bodies. The integrated circuit component has bond pads that are bonded to corresponding conductive members. The substrate contains terminals associated with conductive traces. The conductive members rest against the respective terminals to form slidable electrical contacts. The slidable electrical contacts permit the transfer of electrical energy between the integrated circuit component and the conductive traces of the substrate. The polymeric bodies preferably comprise elastomers that are spaced from the conductive members, rather than underfilling the integrated circuit component.
An anti-lock braking system for a vehicle having a plurality of wheels, and a braking system that includes a brake for braking at least one of the plurality of wheels and a brake valve for controlling a braking pressure in the brake in response to a brake valve signal, includes a plurality of wheel speed sensors for generating a plurality of input signals. A polynomial processor, in communication with the plurality of wheel speed sensors, generates a control signal based on a nonlinear polynomial function of the input signal. A post-processor generates the Brake valve signal based on the control signal so as to provide cyclic control of the braking pressure in the brake.